Deaths Of Pa. Family Of 3 Probed As Murder-Suicide

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (AP) – Authorities in western Pennsylvania are investigating the shooting deaths of three people as a possible murder-suicide.

Lawrence County Coroner Russell Noga said Friday he will not rule on the cause and manner of the deaths of the New Castle family until after autopsies are completed Saturday.

Police chief Thomas Sansone said preliminary indications are that the grandmother, mother and son each died of a single gunshot wound to the head, and appeared to have been dead for several days. He says officials are trying to determine whether it was “a double murder and suicide.’’ The names of the three were not released.

Sansone said the house was locked when police arrived and there was no sign of forced entry. Tests are planned on a handgun found inside the home to determine whether it was the weapon used in the shootings.